The Mole: 'Enigmatic' David Fifita stakes early claim for 'buy of the year' after Wayne Bennett gamble

Wayne Bennett isn't a gambler by nature, but after Souths' dismal season in 2025, he knew he had to roll the dice.

Bennett took one of the biggest gambles of his long career, signing enigmatic back-rower David Fifita from the Titans.

But one round into the new season, Bennett has come up with an early contender for buy of the year.

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Fifita was superb in the Rabbitohs' impressive 40-30 win over a sloppy Dolphins side.

The big forward, often criticised for his work rate, ran for more than 170 metres, set up a try and repeatedly bent the defensive line.

It was a wonderful debut by the tall back-rower - now the challenge for Fifita is to keep it up in coming weeks.

Souths were very sharp at Suncorp, a ground they have always had trouble at, scoring a slick away win to start the season.

Apart from Fifita, fullback Latrell Mitchell and big middle forward Keaon Koloamatangi were outstanding for the Bunnies.

Raiders young gun 'ready to take over the mantle'

A combination formed at NSW under-19 State of Origin level three seasons ago could propel the Raiders towards another season of finals footy.

Many critics believed the Raiders would struggle to match the highs of last year after the loss of on-field general Jamal Fogarty to Manly.

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But it's taken just 80 minutes - and a little extra time - for the Raiders to show that rookie Ethan Sanders is ready to take over the mantle.

Sanders led the team around the park like a veteran, scored a solo try and kicked the winning field goal from long range in golden point - ironically against Fogarty's Manly.

And it was his combination with Ethan Strange, his teammate for the Baby Blues back in 2023, that proved lethal for the Raiders.

It was a wonderful win by Canberra, who trailed 14-0 early, then skipped away to a big lead and looked to have blown the game when Manly stormed home to force extra time.

Sharks star's brilliant day out

Braydon Trindall has always been a creative, talented five-eighth but after just one game in 2026, he appears to have taken his game to a whole new level.

The Sharks star was arguably the best player on show throughout round one with two tries and four assists in the massacre of the terrible Titans on Saturday afternoon.

Trindall and halves partner Nicho Hynes were in brilliant form as the Sharks brought up a half-century with some free-flowing football.

But the knock on both players is they tend to be flat-track bullies - starring against lowly teams and going missing against the NRL's elite.

The pair get the chance to put that theory to bed next weekend, when the Sharks meet the in-form Panthers.

Walsh's hot streak comes to a crashing halt

Reece Walsh's stunning run of form had to come to an end sometime - what a pity for the Broncos it was in round one of the new season against a rampaging Panthers side.

The game's hottest streak was brought undone by a well-drilled Penrith defence that frustrated Walsh and his Broncos teammates into error.

The brilliant fullback made just 80 metres running the ball and had a couple of costly errors in his game as Brisbane were totally out-enthused and out-classed.

Penrith managed to do what few clubs could in 2025 - cut down Walsh's time and space and force him to push the play, creating mistakes.

The game was the fifth straight time the NRL premiers have gone to play the World Club Challenge in England and then lost round one - a clear indication that the travel and big-game preparation over there are factors in the early season.

NSW Origin bolter emerges

It's time for the NSW selectors to pick the Origin team on form and not reputation - and one round in a bolter has already emerged.

Jackson Ford showed off his amazing motor in the Warriors' big win over the fancied Roosters on Friday night, topping both his team's run metres and tackle count in 71 powerhouse minutes.

Big, strong and aggressive, Ford is made for Origin and should be on Laurie Daley's short list.

People will doubtless have a crack at me for talking Origin after just one round - but NSW need to do something to turn the tide against Queensland, and Daley and his coaching team had a planning session only last week.

Prized Eels signing's woeful outing

Have the Eels come up with a dud in marquee hit-and-run signing Jonah Pezet?

Quite simply, Pezet had a shocker against his former club. Clearly targeted in defence and sledged by his former Storm teammates after several errors, it was a nightmare debut as Parramatta were thumped by a rampaging Storm outfit.

Halves partner Mitchell Moses wasn't much better as the Eels crashed and burned after making a good start to the game.

Down the years, we've seen a host of players leave the Storm and go down a big step in class.

Could Pezet be the next?

Bellamy does it again

Craig Bellamy has the Midas touch when it comes to finding the next man up when his team loses star power.

And he appears to have done it again with unheralded back-rowers Joe Chan and Ativalu Lisati.

The pair could barely make the Storm team last year but with Eli Katoa out and a host of other forwards gone, they stepped up big time against the hapless Eels.

Both ran for more than 150 metres, both scored tries, and Chan came up with two line breaks for good measure.

Just when it looked like the Storm's era of excellence was in danger of coming to an end, it's already obvious after just 80 minutes that they are again top-four bound.